In a move that will surprise everyone in the road racing community, the 23-time TT winner spoke exclusively to BikeThrottle to announce he'd be hanging up his leathers BEFORE the start of this season.

"First of all I just want to thank the fans and Honda for their continued support but now seemed like the right time to make this announcement"

"People will inevitably be asking me, has this got anything to do with Guy Martin joining the team? The answer is yes. He just doesn't pull his weight, he never turns up to press events like I have to and he gets paid far more."

"Add to that the fans are always banging on my motorhome door at testing, asking where Guy is. I tell them he's off wanking in his van somewhere but they never believe me."

"And while I'm at it, Guy never buys new electric cards and he gets through bloody loads of 'em with that kettle of his. He's always got a brew on and it's all he talks about. Tea and wanking. I've had enough. I'm going back to bricklaying"